Graduation 2023: "Ain't no Mountain!"

“You already have everything you need inside of you, right now, today.”

This year’s Class Quote for 2023 held true, and last night, the result was witnessed by faculty, family, and friends at the Commencement Ceremony for the Graduating Class of 2023.

(Be sure to scroll down to see before, during, and after photos of the Commencement Ceremonies)

As Co-Secretary, Collin Matters (Restaurant Trades) reminds the audience, “Today is a testament to our resilience, perseverance, and determination.” It is true. These students were sophomores during the times when schools, businesses, and the world shut down just three years earlier. They could have given up, but they didn’t.

Proudly walking to the podium, Health Assistant graduate Ian Stoneking reminded his class, “We are headed for a future of exciting adventure,” and that next step is theirs to take!

Shyann Perrine inspired the crowd with her personal tale of rising from struggles; she is proof that it can be done — even if those first few steps are more like missteps, and she reminds the audience that “we are all capable of achieving success.”

As President of the Class of 2023, Daijhre Washington (Health Assistant) ended the speeches from the officers with a quote from Mohammed Ali, “If they can make penicillin out of moldy bread, they can sure make something of you!”

Mrs. Debra Allebach, member of the Joint Operating Committee for Lawrence County CTC, imparted wisdom as she states, “No matter where you go or what you do, there are challenges ahead of you. I ask each of you to meet those challenges, straight on, with your head held high, and your heart wide open.”

Allenbach continues, stating, “It is not enough to simply ‘try’ in life; embrace those challenges, be open to change, stay focused, and believe in yourself. Strive for excellence, always.”

Mr. Leonard Rich, Director of LCCTC, empowered the audience with a reminder that they have a “choice in life: Hope or Bitterness.”

As a former History teacher, Rich reflected on the world that has existed within the graduates’ lives stating that, “911 is just a historical story to them.” He listed a few political '“firsts” and many life-changing tragedies that have occurred within their recent current events.

Rich recalled that in his generation, a “Democrat and a Republican could argue all day and then go to dinner at night. Current events may have spurred conversation, anger, or debate, but in the end, we would agree or disagree but it never devolved into being disagreeable, hateful, or bitter.”

“If these students are going to lead the change in America that we all want to see,” Rich states, “they must have HOPE!”

Rich encourages the class of 2023 “to be hopeful . . . [and] not allow your soul to descend into bitterness,” to which he gladly accepted an “Amen” from one of the graduates.

Salutatorian Elia McKnight (Electrical Occupations) talked about walking. On her first day as a sophomore, nervous about beginning her first public school experience as a student, she wanted to “turn right around and walk back to her mother’s mini-van” — but she kept walking. On day two, it was a new-found friendship that kept her going. In her junior year, now as a member of the Opening and Closing team, it was the veteran members of the team and their teacher who inspired her to keep walking.

“Each and every one of you, during your years here, was opened up to new and possibly daunting opportunities — one in common, by attending and by earning your certifications in your trade.” McKnight continues proclaiming, “SkillsUSA, Peer Leadership, and Co-Op — so many adventures. Even though it was different and difficult at first, you all stuck it through until the very end — you kept walking.

“And now, here you are with a diploma calling your name and a vocational pathway to call your own. . .siphon your fear into curiosity, forge your nerves into excitement, and evolve your interests into a passion.”

McKnight concludes with this: “And whatever you do — keep walking.”

Valedictorian Ashley Cwynar began her message by stating, “Although everyone has made setbacks — some big, some small, all that matters is that we celebrate being here today.” Cwynar encourages her class to “Use the knowledge and skills to be productive adults in whatever career path we choose to follow.”

Cwynar describes her years at LCCTC as being “transformative.”

“Lawrence County CTC not only gave me a place to learn, but a home away from home.” continues Cwynar. “It has provided me with a place to grow and flourish. . . and helped me learn that everyone has the ability to make a positive impact on the lives of themselves and in the lives of others.”

To LCCTC’s Graduating Class of 2023, the song you selected as your class song, “Ain’t no Mountain High Enough” was perfect. No matter the obstacle, you found a way over, around, or through it. We wish you nothing but the best as you embark on your new journey! Good luck! You did it!